A bear’s sense of smell is so keen that anything left outdoors like compost and garbage can be an irresistible draw for them.
City of Chilliwack is trying to reduce the number of bear-related conflicts in Chilliwack’s hillside and mountainous areas, which surround the urban areas.
To that end, city officials are hosting another ‘Wildlife and Waste’ information session with WildSafeBC and BC Conservation Officer Service personnel for residents of the wildlife areas, on the evening of April 15.
They’ll be talking about how to responsibly manage household waste and other attractants.
“If you live in one of the Wildlife Areas on this map, please join us to learn from and offer feedback to representatives from WildSafeBC and the City of Chilliwack,” the invitation reads.
The updated rules for hillside areas with wildlife issues require residents to put their curbside waste out for collection only after 5 a.m. on collection day, to help prevent any animals getting into it overnight. All containers must be brought back inside or secured by 10 p.m. on the collection day.
The map of wildlife areas includes: Promontory, Ryder Lake, Eastern Hillsides, Chilliwack Mountain, Majuba Hill, Riverstone Heights and Little Mountain (including Brentwood Drive Area and end of Quarry Road).
Free pizza and beverages will be served, at the event. Seating is limited. Residents of the area (as shown on map), are asked to RSVP to environment@chilliwack.com by Sunday, April 14. If you see wildlife digging into curbside materials or acting aggressively toward humans or pets, report it with a call to BC Conservation Office Service RAPP line at 1-877-952-7277.
Wildlife and Waste info session, Chilliwack city hall, 8550 Young Road, April 15, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
READ MORE: Last info wildlife session was in September
